FOAM-Members Google Group

Piet, Here's a follow up from my good friend Ashton Lewis (aka, Mr. Wizard, Brew Your Own Magazine). It's an excerpt from an e-mail exchange today. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------------------- Your method is how I would actually solve the problem and how I would have answered the question in years past, but here is my modern easy explanation:
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d93060333e6c53be/4b1e651c3bca9318?show_docid=4b1e651c3bca9318

Hey Piet, Have less than ten minutes for a little bit of a read? Before I begin, I'd like to clarify that there is a difference here between a name like "Liquid Malt Extract" (i.e. malt extract syrup or wort syrup) and the actual extract contained within the syrup. When I refer to "extract" below, I'm referring to the soluble solids content of wort and wort syrup, not to the name of any given syrup made from wort. For instance, Briess CBW Golden Light Liquid Malt Extract is a syrup with 79% soluble solids (on a weight basis). This means for every 100 kg of syrup, there are 79 kg soluble solids (mostly fermentable sugars) and 21 kg water. This low water content is why these syrups are so shelf-stable: wort spoilers need water to grow and proliferate (at least 70% moisture, typically). Sometimes you can get mold on the surface after a long period of storage, but this is because the mold is living off of the moisture in the air above the syrup.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d93060333e6c53be/d1aba5298f1d349f?show_docid=d1aba5298f1d349f

Thanks guys. I erred on the side of caution and got a new gasket.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/b713750babba6713/9139f179c2e11322?show_docid=9139f179c2e11322

Free State Homebrew Club Guild meeting Summary:     Guild picnic ·         Saturday June 2, noon-dusk, Patapsco State Park Hollofield area, shelter 301. ·         Wheat beer competition as always. o    Chris Gough running it. o    Entries due by 2 PM. o    Must be present to win.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/dd18428bd4682898/e222363dedf797ba?show_docid=e222363dedf797ba

Hi Piet, To simply convert from 3.0+3.3 lbs of malt extract to grain is not so hard, though to get the exact number, you do need to know approximately what your mash/lauter extract efficiency is. One interesting point is that with your advertised malt bill (6.3 lbs liquid malt extract and 0.45 grain) you shouldn't be
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d93060333e6c53be/a52c83ef8f9fdbe2?show_docid=a52c83ef8f9fdbe2

I'm finding lately that the red rubber gaskets are losing seal after a year's service anyway... so both sanitation and utility are considerations when buying a new gasket.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/b713750babba6713/2172a5767b71071d?show_docid=2172a5767b71071d

Oh man, Ben! I'm not drinking stuff out of YOUR growlers anymore! But actually, you are right. As long as the new mold spots (assuming it is mold) are removed, and it's resanitized, and it doesn't smell of mold, the growler should be fine for keeping beer for a day (refrigerated, of course).
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/b713750babba6713/edc9552dd8b59217?show_docid=edc9552dd8b59217

I might catch some flak for saying this but in my opinion if you are only using the growler to store a beer for a day before drinking it then it won't get infected from a dirty seal. However how much are they to replace? If it's only a few dollars it's probably worth it. -Ben
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/b713750babba6713/9653f837c7c269d0?show_docid=9653f837c7c269d0

Hi FOAMers, A couple of weeks ago I received a used 2L metal handle growler as a gift. It was pretty clean on the inside and in good condition overall. However, when I removed the gasket I found a good bit of gunk (it looked like the previous owner never washed under the gasket?), and proceeded to clean and sanitize. For the gasket, I had
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/b713750babba6713/61455b2e854b4dc3?show_docid=61455b2e854b4dc3

I agree with Tom 100%. I was with this thing (and Tom and Greg and Adam and Gary Brooks) from the beginning as well, and we all owe Delegate Schultz, and Senator Glassman from Harford County, a huge THANKS! Both brewers and farmers will benefit from this legislation - because I believe it will increase interest in farmers to grow and contribute crops that will benefit the brewing art.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/c6358c3dcd4870bf/714f386be4f1d7e5?show_docid=714f386be4f1d7e5

Dear FOAMers, Greg Clabaugh and I were in full support of this bill. We offered our testimony during the committee hearings simply because this bill raises the profile and elevates the status of the efforts which we have been quietly working on for over a decade. For all of the newer arrivals to this movement, and those yet to come, we felt it was important to have more options than the current classes of manufacturing licenses. While the new Class 8 license still has some shortcomings, it will assist in opening up another avenue of getting more full-flavored beer onto the market.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/c6358c3dcd4870bf/288bc422b5ff5fc7?show_docid=288bc422b5ff5fc7

Hi Everyone, I have a specialty beer recipe that I like to convert to all-grain and need a little advise. 5Gal total volume -> og 1.080; fg 1.020: - 3.0lbs Liquid Amber extract - 3.3lbs Liquid Light Extract - 0.15 Belgian Special B - 0.3 carapils thoughts? Thanks, Piet
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d93060333e6c53be/5cd4b9cdcda2838d?show_docid=5cd4b9cdcda2838d

It must have been my email, 'cause it came from "BOB"..sure that means something in Annapolis... congrads...when's the 1st one going to open???? In a message dated 5/22/2012 8:26:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Just sharing that the Class 8 Farm brewery Bill was signed by the Governor
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/c6358c3dcd4870bf/489753c6e3cfcd86?show_docid=489753c6e3cfcd86

AWESOME NEWS!!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Jim Jim Sawitzke Ph.D. FOAM Vice President BJCP National judge: B0702 Frederick Beer Week Board member Cell: 301-676-0182 Check FOAM out at: [link] Battle of the Bubbles: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/c6358c3dcd4870bf/e34b581896381043?show_docid=e34b581896381043

Just sharing that the Class 8 Farm brewery Bill was signed by the Governor today. The bill goes into law July 1st and it allows Marylander farmers to do something more with their farm than just raise corn and soy. Extra special thanks go out to the Brewer's Association of Maryland (including it's members), Colby Ferguson, Gary Brooks, Delegate Kelly Schulz, Senator Barry Glassman, and fellow farm brewer hopefuls Greg Clabaugh, Tom Flores, and Tom Barse (I hope I didn't miss anyone, but I know I did!). They did a lot of work here and I'm proud to have been able to work on this with all of them.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/c6358c3dcd4870bf/d8207cf8cac171c2?show_docid=d8207cf8cac171c2

This is a reminder for: Title: Officer's Meeting - Ben Fegley's When: Tue May 29 7:30pm – 9pm Eastern Time Where: Officer's Meeting Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
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This is a reminder for: Title: Officer's Meeting - Ben Fegley's When: Tue May 29 7:30pm – 9pm Eastern Time Where: Officer's Meeting Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d813dacf298148fa/2840cb8f070d30b9?show_docid=2840cb8f070d30b9

Greetings, Kevin Atticks from the Maryland Wineries Association is looking for wine judges (and cider judges) for their wine and cider judging in Timonium on May 31st. This is the Winemasters Choice Competition, an event that brings winemakers and outside judges together to evaluate Maryland wine. Maryland has two
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/641d1df5ce915237/6b1e49a5893c6584?show_docid=6b1e49a5893c6584

Also, if you live in the Urbana/New Market/Mount Airy area and haven't run over the Gazette laying in your driveway - there was a nice write-up about Farm Brewing with a photo of our very own Adam Frey and comments from Tom Barse. On the opposite page was a write-up on judging 101 and a photo of
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/13c6fdcbcc09e245/3efa860d4bd08a83?show_docid=3efa860d4bd08a83

Hey Joe (Rzepka)! Your story is in the Frederick News Post! Full article: [link] Excerpt: For Joe Rzepka, it started with buying a basic home-brewing kit and some bottles for a good friend for his birthday.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/13c6fdcbcc09e245/8dedb1f41652cf91?show_docid=8dedb1f41652cf91

Hey everyone! Tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous. Why not spend it drinking beer and listening to music on a beautiful hop farm FOR FREE? We need four more people to help with parking. Please contact Abby at: Abby.Casare...@flyingdogales.c om Hope to see you here! Jim Sent from my iPhone
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/71815dfa743d6d92/2a08b57f79c5527e?show_docid=2a08b57f79c5527e

Congrats!! FOAM's bringing it strong!
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/de868e1752c3900a?show_docid=de868e1752c3900a

Hey Joshua, congratulations! Good job! As an experienced judge, I can perhaps shed some light on your note about the variance in the results between SoFB, BoB, and Clone Wars. There is always some variance in judging results, sometimes due to bottle variances/aging, but most usually it is simply because even the
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/83802ead29132b50?show_docid=83802ead29132b50

LOL Yea. Listen to Marion. Wait a minute, did I say that? : )
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/3ce48ab2d7015884?show_docid=3ce48ab2d7015884

Awesome job Josh! You will often find a beer doing well in one comp, but not another. It obviously depends on the other entries and it does depend on the judges. I don't know anything about Dark Horse but it may be WAY out of style for a mild which would explain the results at other comps. Congrats to you!
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/2c16f7b3badb14d3?show_docid=2c16f7b3badb14d3

DOH!! I had Calvin on the Brain after typing his name so many times! Sorry Dave. But it is a nice benefit to "suggest" that Calvin fixed it. : ) But in all seriousness, thanks to DAVE JUSTICE for judging. Cheers, Jim
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/715322ea3e0d2eb7?show_docid=715322ea3e0d2eb7

Leave poor Jim alone... He's hungover:-) Sent from my iPad
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/9440339cd583f330?show_docid=9440339cd583f330

And yet another competition's results were revealed last night... with some more shameless bragging. Interesting that this beer won the clone competition, but did very poorly in the BOB and SOFB competitions. Not saying much for Oliver Brewery's Dark Horse as it compares to the style. Josh Ware
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/c79c4e7966fdf3e9?show_docid=c79c4e7966fdf3e9

Mistakes were made; people will be blamed...
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/4f786e352fc2cef5?show_docid=4f786e352fc2cef5

*"Thanks to Calvin, Bill and Larry for taking care of the judging..."* It's fixed, FIXED, I tell ya!!!! Hee hee. I think you meant thanks to Dave Justice, Bill Heverly, and Larry! Calvin
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/64f5f058fac3cd3b?show_docid=64f5f058fac3cd3b

Hello everyone! As you know, the Best of Show judging took place last night for the second annual, Battle of the Bubbles. Thanks to Calvin, Bill and Larry for taking care of the judging, Mike Lamb for stewarding and Marion Kozar for being the prize Queen! It was a great night with many FOAMers there all enjoying Mike Kozar's winning IPA from last years comp. "The Bob" is one great beer! Stop by soon as this one will not last long. I have attached the top three finishers of the BOS as well as a complete list of the winners. Excellent job FOAM, we are well represented. Finally, a BIG congrats to Calvin Perilloux for winning the BOS. Nice job Calvin! We will be drinking Calvin's Bock at next years Frederick Beer Week.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/d12fb5fe96347aa7/6b57558adc81ea27?show_docid=6b57558adc81ea27

This is a reminder for: Title: FOAM/Heavy Seas Firkin When: Wed May 16 5pm – 7pm Eastern Time Where: Bushwallers,209 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701 Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/91d68e115e46f288/49d2e010ce393846?show_docid=49d2e010ce393846

This is a reminder for: Title: FOAM/Heavy Seas Firkin When: Wed May 16 5pm – 7pm Eastern Time Where: Bushwallers,209 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701 Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/91d68e115e46f288/b86cd37fe1c228da?show_docid=b86cd37fe1c228da

Hey everyone! Just a quick reminder that the Battle of the Bubbles finals are tonight...rain or shine! You can stay dry on the Barley and Hops covered patio while sipping Mike Kozar's award winning (last years winning entry) IPA! Judging starts at 7:30 but be there early to join the fun. Stick around to claim your prizes and ribbons.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a1423f092460ffe7/cf58eeccfe467512?show_docid=cf58eeccfe467512

Congrats Keith! Way to go. Sounds like an interesting beer, one that I would love to try. Is there any prize for 2nd? Jim
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/3f06c17fcbe8defd/baf5cdfb8291808d?show_docid=baf5cdfb8291808d

Calvin et al- Good news! That worked like a charm! Guess I didn't have it fully carbonated so the CO2 was still going into solution resulting in the pressure drop. The patient is holding stable at atmospheric+22 PSI @ 70 F, my target level, as calculated in ProMash. Thanks to everyone for their input.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/52c7077dd1a14895?show_docid=52c7077dd1a14895

Another shameless self-promotion. Toot toot!
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/3f06c17fcbe8defd/a09fb0926705ea5d?show_docid=a09fb0926705ea5d

This is a reminder for: Title: BOB - 2nd Round Judging When: Tue May 15 5pm – 7pm Eastern Time Where: Barley & Hops, Urbana Pike, MD Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/24ca76ab010ae918/bb122b096ce4afcb?show_docid=bb122b096ce4afcb

This is a reminder for: Title: BOB - 2nd Round Judging When: Tue May 15 5pm – 7pm Eastern Time Where: Barley & Hops, Urbana Pike, MD Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/24ca76ab010ae918/39a15780b62adbb6?show_docid=39a15780b62adbb6

Awesome job Calvin and J.P! Next up, Battle of the Bubbles where I suspect there will be more FOAM winners. Jim
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/25f2b7fc1768cf24/9198484f26a785cd?show_docid=9198484f26a785cd

Greetings all, I guess I'm tooting my own horn here, but somebody eventually will put up FOAM members' results from Spirit of Free Beer. If I missed you in this list, *please* let us know so that we can get your name on the SoFB win list for the FOAM newsletter! There were 550 entries this year. Yowzah! I know I sorted a lot
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/25f2b7fc1768cf24/ba8525ce11ddf845?show_docid=ba8525ce11ddf845

Eric, As Adam said, "small volumes of pressurized gas with large volumes of liquid tend to dissipate into the liquid faster". That's probaby all that's happening if you have small headspace, which is probably the case because this is a new beer you haven't been drinking. If you've got about a liter of headspace in that keg, then if you only
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/44536268ab1b171c?show_docid=44536268ab1b171c

2nd what Adam said. I spray the posts and keg lid with star San and look for bubbles. You can increase the pressure to make the leak more evident. I also "seal" the keg at 30 psi initially to seat the connections. After cleaning, I also pressurize with CO2. If there's a leak, the keg won't hold pressure.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/debfc6bf04392aca?show_docid=debfc6bf04392aca

Do you have constant pressure? If not, it's likely still absorbing CO2. Looking for a leak isn't a bad idea though - I'd personally treat it similar to finding a nail hole in a tire: spray soapy water on the areas that may be leaking and look for bubbles. Be sure to rinse everything off afterwards.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/8d5f23bdacb981cd?show_docid=8d5f23bdacb981cd

I guess my biggest question is if there is a method or rule of thumb to indicate where the CO2 is going - to the atmosphere via a leak or is it possibly still going into solution. This is my 'Fest beer so I haven't poured a beer off of the keg yet, so the volume is constant. I am leaning toward a slow leak and will investigate for physical signs
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/88dbc27b459eaa5a?show_docid=88dbc27b459eaa5a

Eric, Although easier in my book, kegging is more technical than bottling, since there's a few more factors at work: If you have a small leak (which you may), let me suggest removing and inspecting all your O rings and other rubber stoppers. If any look torn or under the weather, head into The Flying Barrel and pick up replacements. Check your tap connection as well, if you tap is leaking, you'll usually see liquid, unless there's a connection problem between the tap and the keg itself, then it may release gas, since it is at the top of the keg where the gas sits.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/5cb876fc46ec98d3?show_docid=5cb876fc46ec98d3

Eric, I don't have nearly the technical understanding of pressures and gasses that you do, however I have experience kegging. When you force carb and get the beer to say 15psi and it's nice and carbed and then reduce the pressure of the regulator to a serving pressure, you will lose carbonation
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/37dc86ce18f3e75f?show_docid=37dc86ce18f3e75f

In force carbonating and storing my first kegged batches, I have noticed a tendency for the pressure in the kegs (at room temperature) to trend down to about 15 PSI before achieving stasis. When this happens, I can add CO2 to the keg, which of course raises the pressure in the keg again for a while, but again, it drops back to 15 PSI.
http://groups.google.com/group/foam-members/browse_thread/thread/a6c39d69575ccbd5/1baf02d9b1ae44c7?show_docid=1baf02d9b1ae44c7

This is a reminder for: Title: MD Brewers Springfest When: Sat May 12 12pm – 6pm Eastern Time Where: Frederick Fairgrounds Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
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This is a reminder for: Title: MD Brewers Springfest When: Sat May 12 12pm – 6pm Eastern Time Where: Frederick Fairgrounds Calendar: foam.memb...@gmail.com Who: * FOAM Members - organizer * mpko...@gmail.com - creator Event details: [link]
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